Lionel Messi and Casemiro went from playing on opposite teams to playing together for Inter Miami CF. Messi played for Barcelona and Casemiro played for Real Madrid. They played against each other in many tough matches called El Clásico. Now, they are friends and teammates in the same club in Miami. They even work together to score goals.
The two players played against each other 20 times. Both players won eight games each, and four games ended in a tie. Messi scored nine goals in these matches. Their biggest game was the 2021 Copa America final. In that match, Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 to win the trophy. Casemiro has admitted that Messi is the toughest opponent he has ever faced. He said he never succeeded in stopping him alone.
In July 2026, Casemiro joined Inter Miami as a free agent. At his unveiling, he made it clear that he came to Miami for Messi. He confessed that he had dreamed every day of playing alongside him. He called Messi the god of football and said it was an honour to share the pitch with him. He also said he was struck by Messi’s continued desire to improve and win, even after achieving everything in the game.
In a September 2026 MLS match, Messi delivered a perfect assist and Casemiro scored with a header. This was their first official goal combination. Casemiro’s first reaction was to run to Messi and lift him up. They have become inseparable in training as well. Fans have jokingly called Casemiro Messi’s new De Paul. This refers to Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul, who acts as Messi’s on-field protector.
Casemiro Reveals Lionel Messi Was a Major Reason Behind His Move to Inter Miami
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro signed with Inter Miami as a free agent. He agreed to a contract through the 2027 MLS season. The deal also includes an extension option until June 2029. Casemiro said he had several options for continuing his career after leaving Manchester United. However, the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi was the most appealing factor.
Casemiro spoke to reporters on Thursday. He described Messi as the god of football. He said he wants to enjoy playing with Messi and help him keep winning. He called Messi a winner and said he wants to compete alongside him. Casemiro stated that he is now where he wants to be. He mentioned that he had offers from Italy and other places but chose Miami.
Casemiro previously spent nine seasons at Real Madrid. During that time, Messi’s Barcelona side were their biggest rivals. Casemiro recalled the problems Messi caused him on the pitch. He said he always needed help from his teammates to stop him. He admitted that he dreamed of playing with the best and is now happy to have that opportunity.
Casemiro made his Inter Miami debut on Saturday night in Canada. He played in a 1-0 victory over CF Montreal. He will now look to play at his new home stadium on Saturday against the Columbus Crew. Miami is the reigning MLS champion. They have won their last two matches since the league resumed after the World Cup. They are currently second in the Eastern Conference with 37 points. Nashville SC leads the conference with 39 points.
Messi has not played for Inter Miami since the World Cup. He scored eight goals in the tournament and led Argentina to the final. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final. Messi has since returned from a break in Argentina. He resumed training with Miami on Wednesday. It remains unclear when he will return to the team’s lineup.
Casemiro also played in the World Cup. He featured in all five games for Brazil. Brazil suffered a disappointing exit in the round of 16 against Norway.
FAQs
Q. How many times did Lionel Messi and Casemiro face each other?
A. Messi and Casemiro faced each other 20 times.
Q. How many goals did Messi score against Casemiro?
A. Messi scored nine goals in those matches.
Q. Why did Casemiro join Inter Miami?
A. Playing alongside Lionel Messi was a major reason.
Q. When did Casemiro join Inter Miami?
A. Casemiro joined the club in July 2026.
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